AN AWARD-WINNING Wrexham charity has been donated with a new minibus from the Steve Morgan Foundation.

The Rainbow Foundation, which has hubs in Penley, Marchwiel and Chirk, has been promoting good mental health and wellbeing whilst successfully tackling loneliness and isolation.

Its mission is to help older people to regain their sense of worth, and to provide access to support, services and facilities that can empower people of all ages to retain as much independence as possible.

The Steve Morgan Foundation has now delivered 89 'Smiley buses' since launching in 2001.

Rainbow Foundation CEO, Caroline Tudor-James, said community transport is a lifeline to many people, especially to the older elderly living across rural communities of Wrexham.

She said: “We are delighted with the addition of a new bus to our community transport fleet thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation. Having this bus will allow us to expand our transport service across our three care and wellbeing hubs in Penley, Marchwiel and Chirk, which is opening this January.

“We are also incredibly grateful for the support from the Steve Morgan Foundation at the very start of the pandemic which meant we could stay open and support thousands of people in need during lockdown.

Caroline added: “Lockdown was hard for many of us, but the reality is that for many elderly people who live in our local communities, every day is like lockdown, even now months after regulations eased.

“This is why community transport is so important to The Rainbow Foundation and our clients as we work to connect people with much-needed services in our areas in the fight against loneliness and isolation whilst promoting active ageing.”

The Leader:

Philanthropist Steve Morgan CBE, owner of Redrow homes, said: “I have great affection for Penley because it’s the location of Redrow’s first ever job. Knowing the area well, I understand how the lack of transport can leave vulnerable people, especially the elderly, feeling completely isolated.

“Having visited The Rainbow Foundation previously, I continue to be impressed by the good work they do. We’re delighted to provide a new Smiley bus and know it will make a big difference to lots of people.”

The Rainbow Foundation has recently launched its 'Festive Fundraiser' where prizes include a Fender guitar signed by all 4 members of Coldplay, a luxury Christmas hamper, a 5* weekend away in London and a Peloton bike.

Tickets can be purchased via www.justgiving.com/campaign/TheRainbowFoundationFestiveFundraiser